The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays may be just around the corner, but it’s never too late to cross items off your shopping list! This holiday season definitely feels different from the rest and I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use some cheering up. We might not all be able to celebrate in person this year with loved ones, so we must do our best to recreate the holiday magic and spirit. There’s nothing more joyful than finding the perfect gift for the special people in your life!

Holiday shopping can be overwhelming, so I’ve made it easier for you by curating my favorite items into the ultimate budget-friendly gift guide. Each item is carefully picked out with a specific type of person in mind, so I’ve got you covered! Grab a cup of hot cocoa, a cozy blanket, and maybe a gingerbread snickerdoodle (or five)… and let’s go shopping!

For the Girl on the Go

1. Tote Bag — This Longchamp Le Pliage tote has been my go-to everyday bag for years. I’ve had mine since 2013 and it’s still in great shape. A classic style that folds up nicely when you’re not using it, this bag fits so much that I’ve nicknamed it Hermione Granger’s beaded handbag with the undetectable extension charm — just when you think you can’t stuff it anymore, there’s room for one more thing. This tote comes in many colors (I have the navy with brown leather straps) but there’s something so elegant about this neo all black style.
2. Face Mask — Everyone I know who owns this mask raves about it. Happy Masks is a small business founded by a woman of color, and their masks are backed by science! You can read all about their story here. These masks are not only washable, but also incredibly comfortable for all-day use. There are so many patterns to choose from, and the masks come in three different sizes.
3. Coin Pouch — Since I’m not going out much anymore, gone are the days of heavy and bulky wallets. I much prefer using a coin pouch to store just the essentials — driver’s license, a credit card or two, and loose cash + change. This Rifle Paper Co. coin pouch is just too cute! It also comes in London, Paris, and a Wanderlust style.
4. Bow Hair Scrunchie — In a rush? No problem, just tie your hair back with this darling J. Crew bow scrunchie. Perfect for those days when you’re too lazy to wash your hair, because hey… quarantine life, you know?
5. Water Bottle — I’ve tried so many reusable water bottles over the years, but nothing beats S’well. These insulated bottles supposedly keep your drink cold for 36 hours and hot for 15. I wouldn’t know because I drink a TON of water so I usually go through 3 bottles a day, but the bottle has always done its job for me! The big spout makes it super easy to clean, and it truly doesn’t leak so you can throw it in your bag worry-free.
6. Personalized Phone Case — Personalization is the new trend! Our phones are always with us, so why not have a phone case that reflects our identities? You can customize these phone cases on BaubleBar to create one that fits your personality.

For the Wanderluster

1. World Map — We can’t travel right now, but we sure can daydream of all the places we want to go! This pastel colored world map is so beautiful and perfect for decorating any empty wall in your home.
2. Camera Phone Case — Emily in Paris, anyone? The fashion in Netflix’s Emily in Paris was definitely the highlight, but what stood out to me the most was Emily’s camera phone case. Apparently a lot of people felt the same way, because this case was all over the internet and sold out everywhere! Luckily, it’s back on Amazon for you to snag at a super affordable price.
3. Passport Holder — Travel in style with this cheeky passport holder! “I’m outta here” pretty much sums up how I feel about 2020. 2021 can’t come soon enough.
4. Laptop Backpack — I can’t even begin to count how many consultants I know who have this Lo & Sons backpack. Prior to the pandemic, I traveled every week for work, often living in a hotel Mondays through Thursdays. This laptop backpack is great for the commute and has components for all your essentials. It’s also convertible between a backpack and a briefcase, and has a sleeve that slides seamlessly over your suitcase handles. Plus, it’s on sale right now for 55% off!
5. World Cities Puzzle — I’ve gotten super into puzzles during quarantine, and this 500 piece Rifle Paper Co. world cities puzzle is so gorgeous. Travel to all your favorite destinations without even getting out of your pajamas. I recently bought this during Black Friday as an early Christmas gift for myself!
6. Globe Set — This ivory and blush globe set from World Market is the perfect decor for your bookshelf, coffee table, or desk. So dainty, chic, and worldly! I have one in my apartment’s entryway and another on my bookshelf, and I always get compliments on them.

The Work From Home Starter Pack

1. Bluetooth Speakers — How cute is this panda bluetooth wireless speaker?! Not only is it light and functional for all your meeting or music needs, it also comes in all different animal designs.
2. Blue Light Glasses — Since I’m staring at computer screens for 8+ hours a day, these blue light glasses have been an absolute life saver. They help immensely with eye strain and headaches, and are so affordable and stylish!
3. “I’m Speaking” Sweatshirt — If only it were socially acceptable to show up to work in pajamas… well, this sweatshirt by the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign is probably the next best thing! It’s so soft and cozy, and the company supports incredible causes. “I’m speaking,” the phrase made iconic by our future Madame Vice President! To all the men who’ve ever interrupted me mid-sentence… I’m looking at you.
4. Headband — Working from home means lots of Zoom calls, and the best part about it is that my coworkers can only see my face! I never wear makeup and hardly ever wear accessories, but this headband instantly makes me feel and look more put together. I love it so much that I bought it in blush velvet, light blue satin, and metallic gold.
5. Slippers — These Ugg slippers are like walking on clouds. So warm, especially for those cold winter nights! How will I ever be able to wear normal shoes again?!
6. Leggings — I honestly can’t remember the last time I wore jeans because I’ve been living in leggings and sweatpants since March! Black leggings are a staple in my closet because they easily pass off as pants, and can be paired with so many different outfits. This Lululemon pair has the cutest tie detail at the waist!

For the Foodie

1. Tea Mug and Infuser — All you tea lovers out there, this mug and infuser set is the gift of your dreams! I’m usually too lazy to make loose leaf tea because I don’t have the right equipment, but with this set I’ll have no excuse. I love the minimal nature-inspired design as well.
2. The Always Pan — You’ve probably seen this pan trending all over Instagram. 8 pans in 1? Sign me up! It saves space, is functional, and comes in so many different colors. The reviews I’ve seen for this are all amazing, so I caved and got myself the lavender one during their Black Friday sale.
3. Tasty Cookbook — I’m a big fan of Buzzfeed’s Tasty videos and recipes because they’re so easy to follow and relatively quick to make. This cookbook is great for beginner cooks and perfect for meal prepping if you’re too busy during the week to cook.
4. Macaron Making Kit — Macarons one of my favorite treats but they’re quite expensive, so why not bake them myself? One of these days, I will find the time and patience to learn how to make macarons. I’m sure this starter kit will come in handy.
5. KitchenAid Stand Mixer — Expensive, but so worth the splurge if you love to bake and cook! I got mine a few years ago at Costco so it’s just a standard, boring gray version, but this limited edition is literally my dream color combination. Plus it’s currently on sale!
6. Avocado Plushie — I discovered this brand Squishable a few weeks ago, and I’ve been obsessed with all their fun food and animal plushies. Ice cream, pizza, tacos, boba? Yes please! Check out their website for even more options.

For the Fashionista

1. Convertible Crossbody Bag — This Zac Posen handbag is such a classic shape, and I love how it’s convertible into a crossbody. I have a pink version that I got from TJ Maxx a few years ago, but there are always new colors and patterns coming out every year!
2. Wool Coat — This coat is totally giving me Kate Middleton at Christmas 2018 vibes. Kate’s coat collection is the definition of goals, and while my wardrobe isn’t quite there yet, this Kate Spade coat would make the perfect addition to my closet.
3. Over the Knee Boots — OTK boots are an essential item for fall and winter and automatically elevate your outfit. I love pairing them with sweater dresses for a cozy “I look fabulous but didn’t try too hard” vibe. These Marc Fisher black boots go with just about everything.
4. Holiday Dress — Just because there aren’t New Year’s Eve parties this year doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! The emerald color of this Reformation dress is so beautiful that I may or may not start buying more jewel toned clothes moving forward.
5. White Sneakers — A striped shirt, high-waisted blue jeans, and white sneakers is basically my go-to outfit for casual days. These Veronica Beard sneakers have a surprising twist with the snakeskin accent, which is on trend this season. It’s also on major sale right now!
6. Beret — A key item for a capsule French style wardrobe! This Ralph Lauren beret is bound to keep you warm and stylish this winter. Besides the camel color, it also comes in black.

Under $50

1. Squishable Plushie — This year has been hard for many of us because of the limited social and physical contact, so when you’re craving a hug, turn to this adorable unicorn corgi for the best snuggles! And how cute is this baby panda dressed up as a red panda?! Gimme allllll the cuddles. There are hundreds of more options on the Squishable website!
2. Phone + Airpods Case — This phone case is so functional that not only does it come with a crossbody strap, but also there’s an attached case for your airpods! Could it be any more convenient? I’m guilty of dropping my phone all the time, so this chain is great for going hands-free.
3. Suede Journal — For the creative artist, writer, or dreamer, this journal is the perfect place to jot down ideas. I’ve been journaling on my laptop every night for the past 8 years, but this makes me want to start handwriting my thoughts.
4. Throw Blanket — This blanket screams winter. I can already picture myself cuddled up with this blanket, watching a cheesy Christmas movie. Perhaps next to a cozy fireplace in a log cabin? A girl can dream!
5. Bookshelf Board Game — This vintage edition Monopoly is so beautiful! It makes a wonderful addition to a bookshelf or coffee table as decor when you’re not playing. Another popular board game is Codenames, which is my all time favorite and always a hit at game nights! It even comes in Harry Potter, Disney, and Marvel editions for all you fellow nerds out there!
6. Hair Brush + Dryer — I don’t own this, but a lot of my friends do and they can’t stop raving about how amazing it is. Apparently it gives you a blowout that rivals the Dyson Airwrap, but costs only a fraction of the price. This is a hit beauty item this season so be sure to get one before it sells out!

Under $150

1. Silk Pillowcase + Sleep Mask — Silk pillowcases are all the craze right now, and supposedly work wonders on your hair and skin. Talk about a good night’s rest and beauty sleep! This rose gold pillowcase even comes with a leopard print silk sleep mask.
2. Rollerskates — Rollerskates are back thanks to TikTok, and this pastel pair is just too cute! Takes me right back to the 80’s… or was it the 90’s… I can’t keep up with these trends, ha! I haven’t rollerskated in 15+ years, but maybe it’s time to try again…
3. Kanken Backpack — The iconic Fjallraven Kanken backpack is perfect for adventures and fits all your essentials. The hardest part? Choosing a color!
4. Kindle — I’ve been reading so much lately, and my Kindle has been my best friend during quarantine. I know it doesn’t feel the same as holding and flipping through a physical book, but I love how light this is. This version even has a backlight so you can read at night!
5. Floor Lamp — Here’s a secret: this Brightech floor lamp looks nearly identical to the $300 one at West Elm, but is actually under $100! I have this in my apartment living room and it’s surprisingly bright. It’s also so easy to assemble — it took me 5 minutes!
6. Instant Camera — I’ve always wanted an instant camera, and my brother surprised me with this for Christmas! This is such a classic and comes in the prettiest shades of pastel. I can’t wait to use it and capture all the special memories to come.

And there you have it! Every item in this gift guide was picked out with love, so I hope you found it helpful. Is there anything else you’re looking for that I can help you find? Comment below and let me be your personal shopper!

Happy holidays friends, and please stay safe and healthy!